Gensler warns market players that SEC crackdown is just getting started

Gensler warns market players that SEC crackdown is just getting started
The Securities and Exchange Commission chairman told securities lawyers that the agency would pursue violations wherever and however they occur.
NOV 02, 2022
By  Bloomberg

The head of Wall Street’s main regulator has a stern warning for market players: The Securities and Exchange Commission’s crackdown is just getting started.

SEC Chairman Gary Gensler told securities lawyers Wednesday that his agency would continue to pursue violations wherever and however they occur.

In remarks for the Practising Law Institute’s 54th Annual Institute on Securities Regulation, Gensler ticked through enforcement actions the agency had brought during his tenure. 

“Make no mistake: If a company or executive misstates or omits information material to securities investors, whether in an earnings call, on social media, or in a press release, we will pursue them for violating the securities laws,” he said. 

Enforcement staff filed more than 700 actions in the government fiscal year ended in September, he said, winning judgments and orders totaling $6.4 billion. 

His warning marks another shot across the bow for a financial services industry already on edge over sweeping regulatory changes Gensler is seeking. A chunk of the money that the SEC has recently claimed stems from a wave of settlements and record fines against banks for their employees using outside messaging services like WhatsApp to conduct business. 

Gensler also reminded attorneys they are also under scrutiny for their role as so-called gatekeepers. “If your client is considering a course of action that takes them up to the line, keep them back from the line,” he said. 

'IN the Nasdaq' with Jay Jacobs, US head of thematics at BlackRock

Latest News

The power of cultivating personal connections
The power of cultivating personal connections

Relationships are key to our business but advisors are often slow to engage in specific activities designed to foster them.

A variety of succession options
A variety of succession options

Whichever path you go down, act now while you're still in control.

'I’ll never recommend bitcoin,' advisor insists
'I’ll never recommend bitcoin,' advisor insists

Pro-bitcoin professionals, however, say the cryptocurrency has ushered in change.

LPL raises target for advisors’ bonuses for first time in a decade
LPL raises target for advisors’ bonuses for first time in a decade

“LPL has evolved significantly over the last decade and still wants to scale up,” says one industry executive.

What do older Americans have to say about long-term care?
What do older Americans have to say about long-term care?

Survey findings from the Nationwide Retirement Institute offers pearls of planning wisdom from 60- to 65-year-olds, as well as insights into concerns.

SPONSORED The future of prospecting: Say goodbye to cold calls and hello to smart connections

Streamline your outreach with Aidentified's AI-driven solutions

SPONSORED A bumpy start to autumn but more positives ahead

This season’s market volatility: Positioning for rate relief, income growth and the AI rebound